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PG&E's General Rate Case 2017-2019

Background

Every three years, PG&E submits a request for funding to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) called a General Rate Case (GRC). The CPUC conducts an open and transparent review of PG&E's request. This process includes several public hearings across the service territory, whereby the Commission gathers input from the public, as well as evidentiary hearings where PG&E and all interested parties testify in a public proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge. The CPUC then determines what revenues are necessary to maintain and upgrade the electric and gas systems. The CPUC's decision forms the basis for PG&E customer rates.

When

PG&E submitted its proposed GRC for the years 2017 – 2019 on September 1, 2015.

Our proposal

As part of the GRC, PG&E proposed an average increase of less than 3 percent in typical residential customer energy bills to support upgrades to technology and electric and gas infrastructure. PG&E's proposal would increase a typical residential customer bill by $4 month, which includes $3 per month for electricity and $1 a month for natural gas service. Even with this modest increase, PG&E's typical bills would remain approximately 25 percent below the national average bill according to the most recently available data.

Future benefits

In addition to funding our current operations, PG&E's GRC proposal would fund investments to support:

Smart grid technologies that better integrate and manage more rooftop solar and renewable energy, as well as enable a growing array of other technologies, from electric vehicles to smart appliances and battery storage;

Emergency preparedness for major disruptions like earthquakes, including construction of a backup gas control center;

Stronger prevention and management of wildfires through increased patrols and new laser-based technology;

Advanced mobile technology to provide field workers with the tools to get work done more effectively and efficiently; and,

Faster response times to customer calls about possible gas leaks.

Going forward

This July, the CPUC will conduct public hearings to solicit input from interested parties.

In the summer, the CPUC will conduct evidentiary hearings. The CPUC's review of PG&E's GRC request is a transparent process, with ample opportunity for public comment, expert analysis, and challenges by independent organizations. A final decision in the case could come as early as the end of 2016.

More information

Customers and other interested parties can learn more by visiting the GRC Frequently Asked Questions or by reading the 2017-2019 GRC Materials.